Philadelphia Zoo Opens New 360 Meerkat Maze Exhibit

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The latest phase of a network of see through mesh trails that allows Philadelphia Zoo animals to roam around visitors has been completed.

The zoo’s 360 Meerkat Maze is now open.

(Credit: John McDevitt)

“This outside exhibit is a whole new world to them,” said Steph Oberlin, the lead keeper of the Small Mammal House. “They are experiencing things they never experienced before.”

Oberlin spoke to a crowd Wednesday that gathered to watch the Meerkats explore their new maze or playground. She described how they may be feeling.

“If you think about it, there are new sounds, new smells and new sights,” Oberlin said. “They have seen peacocks, they chased squirrels and birds. When they stand up and look out the towers they can see other things.”

In addition, kids can crawl alongside the Meerkats in a trail of their own, next to a stretch of the Meerkat’s enclosure.

(Credit: John McDevitt)

The 360 Trail System is the only one of its kind and has Treetop Trail, Great Ape Trail, Big Cat Crossing, Gorilla Treeway and now, Meerkat Maze.